Warmer Weather Helps Pocono Businesses Open

DELAWARE WATER GAP – Although it’s a little wet and dreary now, this weekend sunny skies should make their way into the Poconos, just the kind of weather many businesses here have been waiting for.

Fresh coats of paint are being brushed on, just in time to dry for the weekend. Wolf Hollow Golf Course at Delaware Water Gap Country Club has the carts lined up and flags flying after a harsh winter.

“Some of our holes get pretty wet with all of rain and the snow melt and everything. We just got 18 holes open yesterday, so we’re ready to roll,” said Wolf Hollow Golf Course PGA professional Bill Lee.

Crews circled the greens seeing if any last minute touch-ups are needed. The course, like many in the Poconos is offering early season deals, enticing customers to dust off the clubs.

“The course is in great shape. We already mowed the greens twice, so the golf course is ready. All we need is the weather and we’ll get the people here,” said Lee.

Smithfield Beach and some other access points at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area also open this weekend. The Delaware River is running high, but is warming up for canoers and kayakers.

For those who like to travel by land, the Delaware Water Gap Trolley is running full steam ahead. Tours began late last month.

Kathleen Duco of Bucks County, her friends, and grandchildren hit the road anxious to get some fresh air.

“It feels good. It just feels free not having all the coats and boots. It’s good,” said Duco.

Bushkill Falls is also planning to get these gates opened up for the weekend. They’re running a couple of weeks behind schedule so they’re making a big push for tourists to stop by.

“You see we still have snow banks, and we have four different trails and our longest trail, the Red Trail, still has significant ice buildup on it,” said Bushkill Falls General Manager Donna Smith.

Employees in the Bushkill Falls gift shop are busy stocking shelves. They expect a big crowd during the Passover holiday and are offering free admission to Monroe County residents with ID.

“It is again it’s been a hard winter just like everybody else, cabin fever so we’re excited to see people coming through the front gate and enjoying the falls,” said Smith.

This weekend’s weather also comes at the perfect time for anglers. Trout Season opens up in the Poconos at 8 a.m. Saturday.